Sutton's oldest Meals on Wheels customer got a special birthday lunch delivered by the mayor yesterday.

Beryl Fleet, 102, welcomed borough Mayor Councillor Sean Brennan to her Wallington home as he spent the day meeting the service's clients and finding out more about what it means to people.

Mrs Fleet moved to the borough over 50 years ago and still lives in her own home thanks in part to the Meals on Wheels service provided by Sutton Council.

Mrs Fleet, who was born in Kent in 1911, said: "A good meal a day certainly helps keep you going.

"I look forward to the volunteers visiting as loneliness is half the trouble. Sometimes I try to hang on to the people delivering because they really brighten up my day. I get lunches delivered during the week and they are very nice although I still try and do a bit of cooking at the weekend."

The Meals on Wheels service delivers 280 meals a day in 10 rounds. It has 80 volunteers.
Coun Brennan said: "I’d like to thank each and every one of our volunteers who give up their own time to provide this vital service 365 days a year.

"This can be some people’s only interaction with someone on a day-to-day basis and just by spending a couple of minutes in their home can put a smile on their faces – something I’ve seen first-hand. This service can make a real difference and potentially save lives."

Your Local Guardian:

The council is appealing for more volunteers to come forward and help the scheme. To take part, you can call Steve Winser on 020 8770 4542 or email steve.winser@sutton.gov.uk.